A supreme love for boxing. And then his love for tattoos that Zero interprets in both a Realistic and Surreal way. Here is his truly enlightening and real story.
Let’s start with your stage name: why do you like to be called Zero?
The simple version of ‘Zero’ comes from its mathematical definition. It’s the ending of all negativity and beginning of all positivity. As a young man, I lived a life of violence and negative energy.
As fate would have it, I was fortunate enough to pay for my actions in the form of incarceration. Through this I learned extremely valuable lessons, which inspired me to change my outlook on life. I decided to live the rest of my life in positivity and gratitude. This is when I also took on the nickname ‘Zero’ (IG: @thezeromachine), as a constant reminder of the person I’m attempting to become.
What appeared in your life first: boxing or tattoo art?
Boxing came into my life long before tattoos. When I was still a child in Nairobi, Kenya, my cousin Patrick was able to represent our country in Tae Kwon Do. I was extremely inspired by him, and began studying combat around this time.
Throughout the years I studied Tae Kwon Do, which led me to Thai Kickboxing, then boxing.
I began grappling in my teenage years, wrestling and later Jiu Jitsu which I still study heavily along with boxing.
Name, if you can, three tattoo artists who inspired you…
Three artists who have heavily inspired me and continue to do so are: my wife Emily Compton (IG: @mrscomptoncat), I began teaching her art almost a decade ago. She was already a pretty well versed artist, however, with a little guidance she began to flourish. Her work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to learn fast inspire me. I began as a teacher and now often struggle to keep up with her.
And what about the other two…
They would have to be Alexis Vaatete (IG: @alexisvaateteart) and Franco Vescovi (IG: @franco_vescovi), who taught me everything I know about tattoos. I continue to learn and borrow from these two even today. They constantly encourage me and push me to better myself within art and beyond that. Every one of my tattoos has been a result of biting their styles and tactics, I’m eternally grateful to Alexis and Franco for their guidance.
And three boxers who taught you how to fight…?
Three boxers that have personally influenced me are Roberto Duran, Joe Frazier and Jack Johnson. I always admired the back stories of these men. Each of them is similar in the hardships they had to endure on their road to becoming champions.
Their dark pasts were often visible within their vicious fighting styles. However, their most defining characteristics to me was their defiance to any detractors. Duran, Frazier e Johnson weren’t embraced by society in the way that many other champions were, yet they were steadfast and unrelenting in pursuit of their goals. In my eyes these are the true characteristics of a champion.
Can your style be defined as 100% Realistic or do you think there is something more in your Black-n-Grey works?
I would not describe my work as strictly Realistic. I often begin using a reference, but as the pieces progress, I refer to my creative judgement. As a result, I think my work often has a surreal outcome, as I tend to freehand and simply freestyle ideas as I go along.
There is also a lot of Africa (with its warriors, kings, queens etc.) and a sort of universal message among your works, right?
I was born and spent my childhood in Africa. I come from the second largest tribe in the eastern Horn of Africa, we are called the Abaluyah. From two common ancestors there are over 6 million of us. My connection with my culture is represented in my works.
I was raised with the understanding of my family’s proud lineage of warriors and I feel as though I am a direct reflection of this history.
Often, this is what naturally comes through in my work. I think the warriors struggle is an easy one for anyone to connect to. As we are often tested in various ways by life, and are forced to respond like a warrior in order to persevere.
Among the things you are most proud of is working in a tattoo temple like the ‘Vatican Studios’ in Lake Forest (California) and owned by Franco Vescovi?
‘Vatican Studios’ (IG: @vaticanstudios_oc) is more than a studio to me. When I first came to learn from the legendary Franco Vescovi (IG: @franco_vescovi), I was mentally broken and in a bad place.
‘Vatican Studios’ and my family within it helped breath life into my broken soul.
They helped to mend me and make me a better man beyond art, we truly view one another as a family. I’ve never been around more positive, kind and talented artists in my life. Everyone who loves tattoos should visit our studio at least once, it’s unlike anything that exists in the world. It’s the Mecca of tattoos!
Can you tell me about an indelible memory of yours linked to a particular tattoo convention?
By far it would have to be the ‘Gods of Ink’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention) in Frankfurt. It was the first time the London tattoo convention made its comeback, this time in Germany. ‘Gods of Ink’ manages to bring more talent out than any other that I’ve ever been to.
Unlike most regional conventions, Frankfurt brought out the best of the best from around the world. This convention was extremely intimidating to me, I was honored to be a part of it. I couldn’t believe that I was able to sit amongst the incredible talent that gathered within the convention. I will be attending this convention as long as they invite me to it! It’s by far my favorite convention.
And your last famous words are… ?
No one’s path to enlightenment is linear, there’s no such thing as a loss, only lessons.
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